Mark Lyson, a judge and referee for many high-profile bouts, was soaking in the atmosphere before he began his official capacities on fight night. He was another face left stunned by the potential collapse of what was certain to be a heavyweight blockbuster.

Martin Bakole will step in to fight Joseph Parker on three days’ notice tonight in Saudi Arabia. Daniel Dubois was scheduled to defend his IBF heavyweight title against the New Zealander on the stacked card in Riyadh,